Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Centre, warning that the proposed Constitution amendment linked to women’s reservation and delimitation could have serious consequences for India’s democratic framework, reported PTI.
Speaking during a debate in the Lok Sabha, she alleged that the government has moved from exerting pressure on institutions to launching what she described as an “open attack” on democracy.
Sharp Criticism of Proposed Constitutional Changes
Priyanka Gandhi questioned the intent behind the proposed amendment, arguing that while it appears to promote women’s representation, its deeper implications raise concerns, reported PTI.
She asked why the government cannot implement 33 per cent reservation for women within the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats, instead of linking it to a future increase in seats through delimitation, reported PTI.
According to her, the proposal to expand the Lok Sabha to up to 850 seats based on delimitation creates uncertainty and shifts the focus away from immediate implementation.
Concerns Over Delimitation Commission
The Congress leader expressed apprehension about the role of the proposed delimitation commission, stating that a small group of members would effectively determine the political representation of states, reported PTI.
She warned that such a process could alter the balance of representation and impact federal principles. “On the surface it looks fine, but when examined closely, it reflects political intent,” she said, reported PTI.
Allegations of Pressure on Institutions
Priyanka Gandhi accused the government of weakening democratic institutions over time, including the Election Commission and the judiciary. She said the current move marks a more direct challenge to democratic values, reported PTI.
“If this Constitution amendment bill is passed, democracy will be finished in India,” she said, escalating her criticism during the debate.
Congress Reiterates Support for Women’s Reservation
Despite her criticism of the bill’s structure, Priyanka Gandhi clarified that the Congress continues to support women’s reservation. She said the party has consistently backed measures to increase women’s participation in governance, reported PTI.
She traced the historical roots of the demand, referring to early efforts within the Congress and subsequent initiatives taken by former leaders to advance women’s representation in local bodies and legislatures.
Debate Shifts From Reservation to Delimitation
The Congress leader argued that the current discussion is no longer centred on women’s reservation but has shifted towards delimitation and its potential political consequences, reported PTI.
She said the provisions related to redrawing constituencies and increasing seats have changed the nature of the debate, raising broader questions about representation and fairness.
Key Bills Introduced in Lok Sabha
The government has introduced the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, along with the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill.
These legislations aim to enable the implementation of women’s reservation in Parliament and assemblies, including in Union Territories such as Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu and Kashmir.
(With inputs from PTI)